Board of Selectmen Minutes 04/27/2009
4 – 27 - 09

At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, April 27, 2009, the following were Present: Chairman Paul Connors, Vice Chairman James Burgess, William Alexopoulos, Maureen Kenney, Executive Secretary David Murphy and Recording Secretary Cheryl Sass. Meeting opened by Mr. Connors at 7:05 pm.  Not present:  Paul K. Fernandes.

Mr. Burgess said the prayer and Ms. Kenney led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Local Education Fund Committee Update

Vice Chair Ellen Murphy informed the Board that grants funded for last year totaled $7,000.  All elementary schools, the middle school and the high school received programs and materials from the Fund, including field trips, musical instruments, and a digital camera for the High School Newspaper.  Ms. Murphy wanted to be sure that the public knew that the funds from the Local Education Fund do not supplement the school budget.  

Friendly Food Pantry Update

Debbie Batson informed the board that Articles of Organization and Bylaws are being drafted for the Friendly Food Pantry.  The new email address is friendlyfoodpantry@ymail.com.  The Food pantry is still located at it the Devine School.  Ms. Batson thanked the community for their donations.  She mentioned that the Post Office’s Yearly Food Drive is Saturday, May 9th.  On May 11, Bertucci’s in Randolph is donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to The Friendly Food Pantry.  A Silpada representative will also be there and she will be donating 50% of proceeds that day.

Swearing in of new Firefighters Matthew Stanton and Patrick Gibbs

Chief Foley introduced Firefighter Matt Stanton, who was sworn in by Brian Howard, Town Clerk.  
Chief Foley introduced Firefighter Patrick Gibbs, who was sworn in by Brian Howard, Town Clerk.

Special Permit – Omnipoint Telecommunications at First Baptist Church, North Main St.

Mr. Connors read the legal notice. Michael Johnson and was present on behalf of T Mobile (a/k/a Omnipoint).  They are requesting the special permit because customers are experiencing a gap in coverage, resulting in dropped calls.  The installation of the monopole will not require any major construction and will be completely concealed.  The existing louvers on the steeple will be removed and replaced with fiberglass louvers.  T Mobile has co-located on monopoles at 106 Mazzeo Drive, Teed Drive, 490 High Street, Stetson Hall roof top and 10 York Ave.  A GPS Antenna (for E-911 services) will be added to the steeple on the south side and will be painted to match.
The historical integrity of the building will be preserved as the only alteration will be the new louvers.  Mr. Burgess suggested moving the GPS antenna to the rear of the building, facing the woods, so it will not interfere with the appearance of the building.  No wires or cabling will be visible.  The GPS antenna is approximately 6 inches tall and must be mounted outside in order to get a clear signal.  Mr. Connors asked, three times, if anyone was in the room to speak in favor of the applicant.
Ms. Gangel asked if they expect the additional location to completely close the gaps and end dropped calls, or if it will it be necessary to add additional locations to improve service.  The radio frequency engineer who was also present stated that this should improve the service on the road, but not necessarily inside service.  
Sandy Slavet asked if there is a downside to the monopole or any reason she should be concerned.  It was explained that each frequency is licensed by the FCC – and that T Mobile is not allowed to interfere with anyone else’s frequency.  The frequency also will not interfere with cable or satellite dish users.  
Pastor Leland Clark – First Baptist Church.  The Church, the trustees and the congregation are all in favor of the License.
Mr. Connors asked, three times, if anyone was present to speak against the applicant.  There was no response.
Mr. Alexopoulos made a motion to grant the special permit according to the bylaws for wireless communication at 518 North Main Street with the following conditions:  The GPS will be installed on the South Elevation of the steeple, that the louvers are stored and properly preserved to be replaced later.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  A roll call vote was taken – all voted in the affirmative (4-0).  
The Special Permit granting authority approved the special permit based on the following findings:

Member Mr. Alexopoulos voted to grant the special permit and finds that the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose zoning because it conforms with the zoning by law section 200-57, with the following conditions:  the GPS will be mounted as presented on the South Elevation of the steeple, that the louvers will be stored and properly preserved to be replaced later.  

Member Mr. Burgess voted to grant the special permit and finds that the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose zoning because it conforms with the zoning by law section 200-57, with the following conditions:  the GPS will be mounted as presented on the South Elevation of the steeple, that the louvers will be stored and properly preserved to be replaced later.  

Member Ms., Kenney voted to grant the special permit and finds that the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose zoning because it conforms with the zoning by law section 200-57, with the following conditions:  the GPS will be mounted as presented on the South Elevation of the steeple, that the louvers will be stored and properly preserved to be replaced later.   

Member Mr. Alexopoulos voted to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw, and that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.

Member Mr. Burgess voted to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw, and that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.

Member Ms. Kenney voted to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw, and that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.

Member Mr. Connors voted to find the use is in harmony with the intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw, and that the proposed use does meet additional requirements of zoning for issuance of a special permit because it will serve the public good.

Special Election Date and Districts Discussion

Mr. Connors read a letter to the Board of Selectmen from the Town Clerk stating that the election must be held before October 4, 2009.  Districts are to be determined and are to be made up of contiguous precincts, recommendation set forth.  
A discussion about September 15 and September 29 was held, but it was determined that the Jewish High Holidays end the day before September 29, making September 15 the better of the two dates.  Mr. Howard informed the Board that this is the only year the election will be held in September, and that it will normally occur in November.   Mr. Connors asked, three times, if anyone was present wishing to speak.  There was no response.
Mr. Connors made a motion to set the election for September 15, 2009, Seconded by Mr. Burgess.  Voted 4-0
Mr. Burgess made a motion to accept districts as follows:  District One – Precincts 1 and 2; District Two – Precincts 4 and 7; District Three – Precincts  3 and 5; District Four  - Precincts 6 and 8 Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted 4-0.
Mr. Murphy to add polling location discussion to the May 18 agenda, to include School Committee’s participation.  
Appointments.  Letter from Mr. Murphy stating that there are no significant reclassifications of positions.  No new appointments will be made after January 31, 2010.  No new contracts beyond January 31, 2010.  All spending in excess of $500 be approved by the Executive Secretary.
 
Motion to accept recommendations of Executive Secretary as outlined in letter made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Ms. Kenney.  

Mr. Burgess made a motion to add that all appointments expire no later than January 31, 2010.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted 3-1 (Alexopoulos).

Mr. Burgess asked that a letter be drafted to local places of worship re:  volunteer opportunities for the community.  Motion made by Mr. Burgess that the Executive Secretary and the Town Clerk develop a mechanism to let the community know there are volunteer opportunities in the new form of government.  Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos.  Voted 4-0.  
Mr. Burgess recommended that a letter be sent to all Boards, Committees and Commissions requesting that their Rules and Regulations be sent to the Executive Secretary with a copy to Town Clerk.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted 4-0.
Motion to accept minutes of March 24 made by Mr. Burgess.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted 4-0.

Correspondence

  • Letter re:  Street acceptance.  
  • Request of Rich McCarthy for a Special within the annual Town Meeting for the non-conforming use.  Motion to request second special w/in annual made by Mr. Burgess.  Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos.  Voted 4-0.  Motion to open and close the Second Special Warrant made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos.  Voted 3-0.
  • Letter by Personnel Board Re:  Vacation Time.
  • Notice from Planning Board.  Mr. Goodhue is the Chairman, Donald Laliberte, is the Vice Chair.
  • Notice re:  Dial a Lawyer for Veterans
  • Notice from Randolph Fire Fighters Local 1268.  Letter of thanks re:  Grievance of Lyons.
  • Notice from Janine Gately re:  appointment to Conservation Commission
  • Notice from Randolph Firefighters re:  Contract.  
  • Notice re:  Federal 2010 Census Bureau.  Mr. Murphy to add to future agenda.  
  • Notice from Showcase re:  Showing Red Sox Games.
  • Request from Board of Recreation re:  Pool Status.  Mr. Murphy will report back to the Board after an informal meeting with the Board of Recreation tomorrow.
  • Notice from BayState Gas re:  bill payment assistance.  
  • Phone calls from residents of Sky View Road – 2 large potholes dug by gas company not filled.  Mr. Murphy to follow up.  
Requests
  • Letter from Hollywell donating property at 975 North Main Street.  FCSCD.  Motion by Mr. Burgess to accept the donation and bring before Town Meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted 4-0.
Application for permit for Five Guys Burgers.  Mr. Murphy to add to 5/18 agenda.
  • Letter from Showcase for 4 Thursday midnight showings.  Motion by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Burgess.  Voted 4-0.
  • Beer and Wine License at Stetson Hall on 5/16, 5/19.  Motion made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos.  Voted 4-0.
Public Comments

Mr. Kaplan returned from a hospital stay on Friday.  Having chemotherapy- has had to reschedule his appointments at Dana Faber and Brigham & Women’s. He needs a tranquil atmosphere and decent night’s sleep.  Asked that the Board and Mr. Murphy to look into the matter.  
Judy Gangel asked to address the voters and residents of Randolph.  Wants to encourage residents and voters to take an interest, follow the issues, and follow the candidates.  Encouraged people to vote.
David Harris asked a question with regard to the screening committee.  Town Moderator will be selecting.  Asked about the status.  Mr. Connors read from the handout that the “Moderator must appoint, committee must meet by May 7th.”  Mr. Harris asked the status.  Mr. Connors stated that it is the decision of the moderator.
 
Liaisons

Mr. Alexopoulos reminded everyone about the Taste of Randolph May 11 at Stetson Hall.
 
Selectmen’s Office Report:

Comprehensive Permit to Avalon Bay Communities re:  Application costs and mitigation fees of $50,000.  Motion to approve made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Burgess.  Voted 4-0.

At 9:07 Mr. Alex, made motion to enter into executive session, not to reconvene.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted 4-0.  Motion made by Mr. Burgess to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos.  Roll Call vote taken, 4-0.  

Clerk of the Board